1 Like
"They are the benchmark." 👑
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) September 11, 2025
There have been some incredible sprinters over the years... but for Bruce McAvaney, there's two that stand above the rest! #WCHTokyo25 | September 13-21 | SBS VICELAND & SBS On Demand 📺 pic.twitter.com/iULIrD0VWD
2 Likes
Great to have Bruce McAvaney in the commentary booth from the start.
I like the trio of Tasmyn Mmanou, David Basheer and Bruce.
4 Likes
Are they in Tokyo?
Same question. It’s all for nought if they’re in a studio in Australia.
Doesn’t look like it!
Bruce was one of three recipients of the pin from Oceania. It was announced at the 55th World Athletics Congress in Tokyo yesterday.
https://worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/55th-world-athletics-congress-tokyo-25
1 Like
It really isn’t.
3 Likes
SBS commentary much better than Nine’s ATM- with the local team able to discuss Australians long after the World commentary has moved on to the next finisher.
3 Likes
Clearly Bruce and co are not in Tokyo. interesting to see the ratings from this. Would be very sad if SBS wins.
2 Likes
SBS coverage finished at 1pm. Nine continues for another 10 minutes
It isn’t authentic quality coverage if they’re not calling from the venue. It’s cheap and nasty.
Surely they’ll need a reporter in the mixed zone.
It’s the reality of the current state of broadcasting, though. It isn’t as simple as chucking the three of them on a flight to Tokyo. It’s a production crew and equipment, it’s the logistics of the commentary feed being sent back, it’s the cost of having a commentary position at the stadium, and that’s if they can even have one. All for an event which, let’s be honest, is not going to be a huge drawcard and won’t attract a huge amount of revenue.
4 Likes
Why would it be sad if SBS wins the ratings (for a change?
The Athletics is on SBS Viceland rather than on SBS’ main channel itself, so there probably will be less viewers there. The night session is also against the AFL and NRL Finals series. As an average, day and night sessions will probably be low. As in reach numbers, I do hope it cracks the top 30.
The Tour de France on SBS recently made the top 30 in the ratings. But is that a bigger drawcard here in Australia compared to these Athletics which has more interest due to more Aussies competing?
Why are both SBS and Nine covering the event?
Non-exclusive rights so Nine felt like airing it.